How to Create a Tablescape for a Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is a good way to gather friends and family together for drinks and conversation. Most cocktail parties also feature an array of finger foods and hors d'ouveres so your guests can snack while they enjoy the party. You can create a statement by creating a tablescape to display your cocktail and food selection. A few well-placed decorations will enhance the theme and feel of the party so your guests feel welcomed and entertained. Does this Spark an idea?

Choose a Theme

A theme will help set the mood of your cocktail party and can be tailored for the season, holiday or event being celebrated. Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, author of "Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style," notes that a single item can inspire your entire theme. Choose an object, or objects, that are relevant to the reason you are having a cocktail party. Perhaps a handful of confetti will inspire a New Year's Eve bash or an old photograph will inspire a retirement celebration. Build your theme from your object.

Select Colors

A color scheme will help tie your decorations and theme together. Choose your colors based on the celebration. Orange and black can enhance a Halloween costume cocktail party, and silver and gold might add depth to an anniversary celebration. Opt for two or three colors to avoid a tablescape that is too busy. Cover your table with a tablecloth in one of your chosen colors and use paper or cloth napkins in coordinating colors. Set out snack plates and silverware that align with your chosen colors as well.

Arrange Decorations

The decorations are the heart of your tablescape, because they are what add visual appeal to your finished design. Choose small decorations so they do not overshadow the cocktails and snacks. Select decorations that coordinate with your theme and color scheme. Tiny Christmas trees might enhance a holiday cocktail party, and small vases of flowers can add decoration to a wedding celebration. Place your decorations toward the back of the table so they do not get in the way of your guests reaching for food and drinks. Scatter the decorations along the entire table to keep your theme consistent.

Add Cocktails and Food

The final step to creating a tablescape is to add the cocktails and the plates of snacks. Choose serving dishes that coordinate with your theme and color. Fill drink pitchers about three-fourths of the way full to minimize spills. Do not pile plates too high with food or your guests might have a more difficult time serving themselves. This also takes away from the theme and decor of your table. Continue your theme into your food and drinks. Pina coladas will add depth to a Hawaiian-themed cocktail party, and French appetizers might enhance a wine-tasting cocktail party.